Deuteronomy 22:26 Meaning and Explanation
“But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The assaulted woman is innocent and bears no guilt; her attacker bears sole responsibility.
The Context of Deuteronomy 22:26
Explicitly vindicating the victim of sexual assault.
What Does Deuteronomy 22:26 Mean?
The law explicitly declares her innocent. The comparison to murder clarifies the violation: a man seizing and killing a neighbor is clearly the aggressor's sole crime. So too with forced relations in an isolated place.
The phrase 'no sin worthy of death' absolves her completely. She is a victim of violence, not a covenant-breaker. Her betrothal creates no obligation she could have violated under force.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 22:26
What does Deuteronomy 22:26 mean?
The assaulted woman is innocent and bears no guilt; her attacker bears sole responsibility.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 22:26?
Explicitly vindicating the victim of sexual assault.